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How Does Executive Dysfunction Affect Follow-Through in ADHD? 

PostedOctober 21, 2025
UpdatedOctober 21, 2025
ByMy Patient Advice
Author: Phoebe Carter, MSc | Reviewed by: Dr. Rebecca Fernandez, MBBS

If you’ve ever had great intentions but just couldn’t act on them, you’re not alone. Many people with ADHD struggle with ADHD executive dysfunction, which affects the mental skills we rely on to get things done, from planning and organising to remembering what we were doing in the first place. 

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Why Executive Dysfunction Derails Progress 

In ADHD, executive dysfunction can feel like your brain misfires at critical steps. You want to do the thing you just can’t start, continue, or finish it in the way your mind expects you to. 

Here’s how specific executive functions impact follow-through: 

Planning and prioritising:  

People with ADHD planning difficulties may find it hard to see the steps between “start” and “done,” making tasks feel overwhelming. 

Working memory:  

ADHD working memory issues mean you might forget what you were doing mid-task or lose track of where you left off. 

Organisation:  

With ADHD organisation problems, even locating what you need to begin can be a barrier to progress. 

These challenges don’t stem from laziness, they’re neurological. Managing them means building systems that support structure, cues, and reminders. 

Visit providers like ADHD Certify for personal consultations to better understand how brain imaging can inform ADHD treatment.  

For a deeper dive into the science, diagnosis, and full treatment landscape, read our complete guide to time management and ADHD.  

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Phoebe Carter, MSc
Author

Phoebe Carter is a clinical psychologist with a Master’s in Clinical Psychology and a Bachelor’s in Applied Psychology. She has experience working with both children and adults, conducting psychological assessments, developing individualized treatment plans, and delivering evidence-based therapies. Phoebe specialises in neurodevelopmental conditions such as autism spectrum disorder (ASD), ADHD, and learning disabilities, as well as mood, anxiety, psychotic, and personality disorders. She is skilled in CBT, behaviour modification, ABA, and motivational interviewing, and is dedicated to providing compassionate, evidence-based mental health care to individuals of all ages.

All qualifications and professional experience stated above are authentic and verified by our editorial team. However, pseudonym and image likeness are used to protect the author's privacy. 

Dr. Rebecca Fernandez, MBBS, author and a reviewer for my patient advice - mypatientadvice.co.uk
Dr. Rebecca Fernandez, MBBS
Reviewer

Dr. Rebecca Fernandez is a UK-trained physician with an MBBS and experience in general surgery, cardiology, internal medicine, gynecology, intensive care, and emergency medicine. She has managed critically ill patients, stabilised acute trauma cases, and provided comprehensive inpatient and outpatient care. In psychiatry, Dr. Fernandez has worked with psychotic, mood, anxiety, and substance use disorders, applying evidence-based approaches such as CBT, ACT, and mindfulness-based therapies. Her skills span patient assessment, treatment planning, and the integration of digital health solutions to support mental well-being.

All qualifications and professional experience stated above are authentic and verified by our editorial team. However, pseudonym and image likeness are used to protect the reviewer's privacy.